Andrew Raynor: Estate Agent to Architectural Technician to Building Surveyor
Starting Point
In 2007 I was working as an apprentice plumber, which sparked my passion for the construction industry. Unfortunately, this was cut short by the financial crisis of 2008 which affected my employer resulting in mass redundancies which spiralled my career in many directions; including manual labouring and motor mechanics.
My career took a turn away from the tools when I was employed by a local estate agent as a sales negotiator. Naturally, after 6 months of being sat behind a desk I got ‘itchy feet’ so I began face to face negotiations during accompanied viewings. I expressed my interest in the valuation side of the business and after a few months of persistence I was promoted to a residential property valuer carrying out market appraisals. It was during this role I found myself having a keen interest in common defects that affect the sale of a property.
Clients often came into the estate agents with their surveys to re-negotiate a sale price in which I often found myself reading through the survey reports and educating myself on various defects.
In 2015, after a couple of years pondering the idea of becoming a building surveyor, I contacted the RICS for career advice. Following this I enrolled onto the HNC in Construction and the built environment at my local college. Although I was heading in the right direction with my studies, I needed a feel for what the day to day life of a building surveyor consisted of. I wrote to my local council who invited me in for a work experience day. It was at this point I realised building surveying is much broader than I ever imagined.
In 2017, I completed my HNC and enrolled for my BSc (hons) in Building Surveying at UCLAN. After several years in estate agency it was my time to progress and follow my aspirations to become a building surveyor. However, my lack of industry experience held me back. Therefore, I needed to find an alternative route to develop my career through a building surveying practice. In 2017, I was offered a position with a small family run chartered surveyors as an architectural technician.
Why Architectural Technician?
Architectural Technicians work closely with building professionals such as architects, building surveyors and project managers to provide a design service and solutions on construction projects. I was able to transfer my skills /knowledge to negotiate projects and assess the client’s needs. The role of an architectural technician requires the inspection of buildings to identify various building types and how they are constructed. This includes the construction technology of new build elements and alteration works to existing buildings. The design element of this role requires legal and regulatory compliance such as;
Planning Policy
Building Regulations
Fire Safety
Health & Safety
CDM Regulations
The knowledge of various building construction methods through the design process enabled me to gain a broader understanding on how buildings are put together and therefore how they can fail. This knowledge has been invaluable towards the early stages of my building surveying career.
Why AG?
In 2018 I came across AG on LinkedIn and I was inspired by their ambitious growth plans to become the leading building and property consultants in the North! The vision of the company’s growth is to recruit and develop individuals which in turn will drive the overall growth of the company. There was a vacancy for an architectural technician who aspires to develop their career, and as the old saying goes “if the boot fits”.
1 Year at AG
Since joining AG in 2018 as an architectural technician, I have been introduced to a whole new world of architectural technology with the use of 3D laser scanning for measured building surveys. I received 1:1 training to equip me with the skills to carry out site surveys and 3D measured surveys independently.
When joining AG, I expressed my future aspirations to become a chartered building surveyor and after 10 months I was promoted to an Assistant building surveyor! During this role I have assisted senior building surveyors in the commercial building surveying team to provide schedule of dilapidation /condition, boundary dispute, defect analysis and planned preventative maintenance reports. Since my promotion I have enrolled with the RICS where I was allocated an in-house supervisor to guide me through the process of recording my experience in order to complete my Assessment of Professional Competency (APC).
To further my understanding of the process AG invited me to a CPD on the RICS APC Mandatory competencies. Other CPD events I have attended during my time at AG include;
Asbestos Awareness
Facades & Fire Safety
Repair, Refurb, Retrofit
Metal Corrosion and how to treat it
Throughout my first year at AG I have enjoyed seeing the growth of the business with various roles appointed and in-house positions promoted. I also enjoyed attending the Lancashire business view, Red Rose awards 2019 where we were crowned “the best property business in the region”.
I’m excited to see the next stages to achieve our ambitious growth plans as we settle into our newly renovated head office in Preston. Finally, what’s next? The summer of 2020 will mark the end of my 5- year academic journey. Once I have achieved my BSc (hons) in Building Surveying, the days of studying will not be over as I follow my next goal of becoming a chartered member of the RICS.